J&K Legislative Assembly Passes Three Landmark Bills to Decriminalize Minor Offenses and Ensure Social Justice

JAMMU, MARCH 28, 2026: In a significant legislative milestone during the ongoing Budget Session, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today passed three pivotal bills through a voice vote, signaling a major shift toward governance reform and social equity. Moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and presided over by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, the new legislations—L.A. Bills No. 01, 02, and 03 of 2026—aim to modernize the Union Territory’s legal framework by promoting “trust-based governance,” eliminating long-standing social stigmas, and streamlining the judicial process for the common citizen.The first of the passed measures, L.A. Bill No. 01, focuses on decriminalizing and rationalizing minor offenses to enhance the “ease of living and doing business” across J&K.

Simultaneously, the Assembly took a historic stand for human rights by approving L.A. Bill No. 02, which systematically removes discriminatory and stigmatizing legal provisions against persons affected by leprosy, ensuring they receive equal treatment and affirmative action from the state.

Furthermore, the House sanctioned amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Courts Act, 1977, via L.A. Bill No. 03, a move designed to drastically improve the efficiency of the local judiciary.

Although several legislators, including Saifullah Mir and Balwant Singh Mankotia, initially proposed amendments, they were ultimately withdrawn following formal assurances from the Chief Minister, leading to the unanimous passage of the reforms.